NASCAR is committed to its diversity and inclusion efforts. The sanctioning body has a division — NASCAR Diversity & Inclusion — dedicated to following through on that commitment both internally and externally. Its philosophy states, “NASCAR Diversity & Inclusion strives to create an inclusive environment in all facets of the NASCAR industry recognizing the value of diversity, which allows us to go faster and farther in our workplaces, at the race track and in the stands.”
RELATED: Learn more about NASCAR Diversity & Inclusion
The department manages and supports several programs across the company and industry, including the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program, NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program and NASCAR supplier diversity. Each program is designed to not only promote but support and execute inclusion.
Since 2000, the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program has provided an opportunity for diverse undergraduate and graduate college students to contribute to NASCAR in a variety of fields. The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program provides training and opportunities for women and minorities in the driver’s seat and on pit crews. NASCAR Supplier Diversity is the sport’s pledge to establish and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with diverse suppliers, whether that be a business owned by minorities, women, veterans or LGBTQ+ community members.
In 2021, NASCAR formed an Industry DE&I Committee that includes influential names like NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace, NASCAR President Steve Phelps and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon, along with representation across teams, tracks, manufacturers, rightsholders and official partners.
The sanctioning body has also expanded resources for diverse employees and enhanced training. NASCAR has four employee resource groups (ERGs) to foster belonging and a space for employees to connect. NASCAR ERGs The Belnavis Collective (Black/African American), NASCAR UNIDOS (Hispanic/Latinx), Pride+ (LGBTQ+) and Women In NASCAR provide a forum for community members & allies at NASCAR. And outside the sport itself, NASCAR has developed relationships with multiple organizations, such as the Urban Youth Racing School, The Trevor Project, the Women’s Sports Foundation, UnidosUS and more, in its mission to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.
